Total gastrectomy

Hello Buzboombang

I want to bump up your post by replying, as like myself others may have missed it, and will be able to give you some support. 

How are you feeling at the moment, has there been any improvements?

Lowe'

Hi, 3 1/2 weeks is nothing on the scale of things after such major surgery. It can take a while to stabilise your new internal plumbing system. I had a jejunostomy feeding tube and used it overnight and was able to eat small and often during the day. I would suggest writing down what causes the runs the worst may help you identify problem foods. The nutritional information I was given when discharged wasn't great. It mentions puddings to help gain weight, I found out that too much sugar content or carbohydrates gave me early food dumping syndrome for about an hour. Feeling like I could faint,full of wind, and sweating. Then just when I thought I was getting over it, BANG!! Late dumping syndrome, which is a sugar crash caused by too much insulin being released to counter the sugar rich content passing into the intestine too quickly. It can be a bit trial and error finding out what are the foods to avoid. I had to avoid potatoes for about a year, simple carbohydrates get converted into sugars very quickly. I know some people had to avoid dairy products because it affected them. I can't remember the amount I had in my overnight feed, but when they started me on it in the hospital I had to get them to slow the rate down as it made me feel sick. I personally always found boiled eggs and sometimes boiled rice helped to alleviate the loose bowel movements. I know that gaining weight can be a problem but I was 57 kilogrammes when I left the hospital in October 2016 and although it took a while I got up to 100kg after a couple of years. Recovery can be a slow process, my consultant surgeon told me that the Ivor Lewis surgery has the same traumatic effect on the body as a major car accident. Obviously keep an eye on yourself but it really does take time. Good luck and kind regards Frank.